Having grown up in the vibrant and diverse land of Malaysia, my curiosity was sparked by the complex workings of biology and genetics. My academic journey brought me to Monash University Malaysia, where I earned a Bachelor of Science (Honours) with a major in Genomics and Bioinformatics. The COVID-19 pandemic shifted much of my learning online and intensified my desire for hands-on lab experience. This led me to two crucial internships: one in a high-stakes COVID-19 PCR testing lab during the pandemic’s peak, and another at a biotech startup, where I developed skills in next-generation sequencing. Over the past year, I participated in the esteemed 2023 Health Security Futures Fellowship for Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines, where I was selected as one of 10 Malaysians among 29 fellows.
My keen interest in genomics developed significantly during my university studies, particularly through my Honours research project where I investigated genetic variations associated with COVID-19 severity in Malaysian and Pakistani populations. This experience fuelled my passion for advancing healthcare through genomics and bioinformatics. Eager to pursue cutting-edge research and further develop as a researcher, I was thrilled to discover the opportunity to conduct a single-cell and spatial-omics research project at the Australian Research Council Training Centre for Next-Gen Technologies in Biomedical Analysis. The Centre’s commitment to enhancing the Australian healthcare ecosystem with optimal solutions for healthcare and wellbeing aligns perfectly with my passion for precision medicine and genomics-based technology. I am eager to contribute to the groundbreaking work at the Centre and collaborate with its interdisciplinary teams and industry partners.
My current research project aims to understand the complex interactions among non-canonical DNA structures, mechanical cues, epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity (EMP) states, and therapy response in breast cancer. Utilising data from spatial transcriptomics, single-cell RNA-seq, 3D bioprinting, optical coherence elastography, and organoids, my study seeks to uncover new insights into the mechanisms driving breast cancer development and treatment resistance.
The main objectives of my project are: (i) to analyse the mechanical properties, gene expression, invasion, migration, and drug response in 3D bioprinted breast cancer spheroids and patient-derived organoids; (ii) to map G-quadruplexes (G4s) and i-motifs (iMs) in these models and link this data with mechanical properties and cellular behaviours; and (iii) to develop a 3D spatial transcriptomics model to understand drug responses and G4/iM formation in patient samples in relation to EMP status and clinical outcomes.
The significance of my project lies in its potential to identify new therapeutic targets and biomarkers for metastasis risk and treatment response, facilitating the development of personalised treatment strategies and potentially improving patient outcomes and saving lives. Moreover, the innovative tools and resources developed, such as spatially-resolved transcriptomic drug response atlases, will have broad applications in cancer research and contribute to advancing the field of precision oncology.
Through my research, I aim to advance personalised cancer treatment, specifically in breast cancer, by uncovering insights that directly benefit patient care. I am enthusiastic about contributing to the ARC Training Centre’s pioneering initiatives, leveraging their state-of-the-art technologies and collaborative environment to maximise the impact of my findings. The Centre’s strong industry partnerships will ensure that my research translates into real-world applications, potentially revolutionising clinical practices. Pursuing a PhD here will significantly enhance my skills in bioengineering, genomics, and bioinformatics, empowering me to drive innovation in healthcare. I am confident that the Centre’s supportive ecosystem will enable me to achieve my objective of making a significant impact on healthcare through cutting-edge research in the field of genomics and bioinformatics.
In my free time, I enjoy discovering new music and curating Spotify playlists–I have created over 70 in the past five years!
